Android history – how android evolved over the years

A humanly Android

Android, meaning human like or robot, was born in October 2003. That software created history in the mobile application world. That little green robot reached billions of users in an epoch-making way. It also checked the monopoly game Apple played over the years. Even though the application was initially meant for smart digital cameras and not phones, destiny had other plans. Having revised, updated and refined over the decade-plus life, Android had never had to look back thanks to the new owner none other than Google.

In safe Google’s hand

Within 22 months of the start-up venture, Google took over this application for $50 Million, and that was the cleverest business deal for Google. The first Android Smartphone was the HTC Dream released in 2008 with version name 1.0G1. And series of sweet dessert names followed right from Cupcake to Marshmallow. The 2.2 Froyo update was classic regarding speed and performance. Besides Froyo unleash eth Wi-Fi power to mobile computing arena. Android 4.0 Ice creams sandwich in 2011was another landmark with the integration of multiple interfaces. Then came the Google Now, the personal assistant with Jellybean, this is a significant development as the advent of wearable computing gadgets is catching up.

The recently introduced Android 5.0 Lollipop enables 64-bit CPU support. The new update also enhances battery life. What the introduction of a guest accounts for a device is bit novel as well. The Google Play store which was earlier Android Market offers a plethora of services and apps. However, Google manufactured mobile Phone Nexus, which was released in 2010, was not a great success. Ironically other manufacturers cashed on the ever growing popularity of Google-owned Android.

The evolutions

The first Android phone HTC Dream was followed by HTC One, the HTC One X and the HTC Magic. Samsung having a global leadership on mobile phone very successfully integrated Android into all their phones primarily Galaxy range. A small exemption may be their introduction of Tizen operating system to their smart TVs.

Unmistakably Android has proved it’s mettle over all other operating systems especially Apple’s iOS. The out of proportion growth has even made Blackberry to bow down and choose Android for at least two of their smartphone ranges. The growth potential is astronomical for Android. Even Microsoft finally and reluctantly adopted Android for their products. Incidentally, Microsoft finally accepted their ‘mistake of not seeing beyond windows.’ Nokia, the leader in mobile phones once too allowed the surge. Microsoft acquired Nokia whereas Google got Motorola. But the diminishing market acceptance for these old two giants is a well-known fact. Microsoft’s development of the mobile platform was an utter flop which made them switch over to Android. The versatility of Android in mobile phones and cameras has made the competitors fumble considerably.

How Android tamed Apple

Google’s Android is just 14 months younger to Steve Job’s pet project iOS. Android is based on Linux kernel, partly open source. Whereas Android is the most popular smartphone platform, iOS is limited to iPhones, iPod, Apple TV, iPad, etc.. However, iOS’ uniform design elements are sometimes seen as being more user-friendly. Android operates on Java C whereas iOS works with Objective- C.

Sweeter than the honeycomb

Android names are exotically related to sweets- from Froyo to Marshmallow to lollipop whereas iOS is called traditionally. Apple is tyrannical and restrictive, whereas Android is free. Apple’s hardware is comparatively expensive, and Android does not lock you down to one company. Open source like Android is the thing of future. Interface wise iOS has an advantage over Android. Also, iOS is superior in cognitive load and user friction. Considering the advantage of Android’s connection to Google ecosystem compared to Apple’s cloud service suite, many customers move to Android.

Too frequent Update of Android

Software update with Android is rather easy. Google Chrome is available for both operating systems whereas Safari is not available for Android. Hardware wise Apple is expensive. But there is a shift in Apple’s thinking of late. The very fact that iTune can be synchronized with Android device is one. The most recent talk by Tim Cook, CEO of Apple has indirectly hinted on more flexibility and tolerance on other OS’s.

Wider User base

Having the largest installed base worldwide on smart phones, Android enjoys easy penetration to new generation tablets and phones Android Open Kang Project I (AOKP) is a custom ROM, which based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP), allows Android users easy updates. This move is a marked difference from Apple’s restrictive policy.

Also ran

Currently, Samsung’s Tizen is the fourth largest Mobile OS in term of market share. Apple, Windows, and other mobile platforms are bit rigid. Comparatively, the speed of Android in updating and innovation is just marvelous. The Play Store, had many updates and redesigns instance, in five years. For Android, that is the way it should be. A clear market leader and not a follower, Android gets more and more fans, customers as well as partners and third party developers. The app store is the wealthy playground fro amateurs and professionals. Whereas the iOS of Apple is slow in updating, and less flexible to customer demands Android is just the opposite.

Android took the leadership of innovation, flexibility and user friendliness. The sweet and systematic journey of Android from 2007 is fascinating. Not that all those years Android had a bed of roses. Since 2007, it’s grown up to be one of the most formidable operating systems in the world

Sweet , sweeter still (Android history)

The cupcake was its first confectionery-named operating system from Android with virtual keyboards. With YouTube, Picasso, and widget capability the journey started

The Doughnut with CDMA compatibility (Android 1.6) made heads turn. Next was Eclair (Android 2.0) with the camera, flash support, zoom and of course live wallpapers. And the contact name search facility added the utility. With Froyo (Android 2.2), the speed was redefined to a higher level of completeness.

The introduction of Gingerbread (Android 2.3) with overhauled interfaces and enhanced speed functions, Near Field Communicator, download manager made the users happy. Even the hence unavailable copy and paste was an added convenience. But universal acceptance of Android lacked till the introduction of Honeycomb (Android 3.0). As a run for the money for iPad, the Honeycomb was meant to compact the tablet scenario.

This “Holographic” interface and a more intuitive keyboard system were superseded by Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). This updated version introduced better interface and the complete dissolution of hardware buttons. The App button, status bar were the add-ons. Multi-tasking became seamless in a smart phone for the first time.

The next version Jelly Bean (Android 4.1)was with the so much time missing voice assistant with ample drop down menu and context. With the ever demanded home screen revamping and resizing function, Jelly Beans became a craze.

The KitKat (Android 4.4) was introduced with specific requests from customers like hangouts. The RAM demand was reduced to just 512, which is a significant power and space saver. The text message facility also was improved. The Lollipop (Android 5.0) with Google Now and lock screen functions took the market by surprise. And finally, Marshmallow (Android 6.0), is what a mobile platform should be.